Links we Like: The Power of Music
This week in Links we Like, we observe the role that classical music can play in diplomacy and making a difference. Whether it be defending the importance of music education or supporting a political movement, music serves as a powerful catalyst for uniting people and ideas behind a cause.
Also, as a little side note, today is Mahler’s 150th anniversary! Click here to enjoy an excerpt from his 7th Symphony with the Lucerne Festival and Claudio Abbado.
The Cost of Freedom: The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, with former New York Philharmonic director Zubin Mehta, gave a performance at the end of June advocating the release of Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit. The concert observed the fourth anniversary of Shalit’s capture by the Hamas, and was accompanied by a 12-day march of thousands of protestors demanding for his release. The concert program consisted of works by Mozart, Albinoni, Verdi, and Beethoven as well as two popular Israeli songs with singer Shlomo Artzi. To read more about the performance, click here.
Zubin Mehta with the Israel Philharmonic (courtesy of operachic.typepad.com)
Collaboration for Education: The “Queen of Soul” herself, Aretha Franklin, and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will stage a joint benefit performance at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts on July 27, 2010. The program’s selections will range from Mozart to “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” and will be accompanied by the Philadelphia Orchestra with Rossen Milanov. Proceeds from the performance will go towards educational incentives and programs for the inner city youth of Philadelphia. Click here to read more about the concert.
(photo courtesy of www.guardian.co.uk)
The Show Must Go On: Amid the hardships of orchestras nationwide in a hard-pressed economy, one orchestra makes a comeback. The North Carolina Symphony met its goal of $8 million; the amount needed to stay afloat at the end of their fiscal year. A myriad of support from over 4,000 donors as well as a benefit concert helped bring the orchestra back to its feet. To read more about the NC Symphony and its road to recovery, click here.
North Carolina Symphony Director Grant Llewellyn (photo courtesy of news.ncdcr.gov)
